Arrests made in Bolivia radio journalist attack

By
Euronews

Authorities in Bolivia say they have arrested three men in connection with the attack on radio journalist Fernando Vidal.

During a live interview about alleged corruption amongst customs police on Monday, three assailants burst into the studio, dousing it in gasoline and setting it on fire.

Vidal suffered second-degree burns to his arms and face.

He is being treated at a hospital in the eastern city of Santa Cruz and was described as being in a serious, but stable condition.

Expressing his gratitude, a heavily-bandaged Vidal told reporters: “I deeply thank the solidarity of all my friends, colleagues, co-workers and journalists and ask them to keep up the work of bringing forth the evidence and revealing the truth.”

A former mayor of the city of Yacuiba, which borders Argentina, the 70-year-old is known for trying to uncover corruption on his radio show. He claims the attack was politically-motivated.